Rice and UH land in Princeton Review's list of best value universities

Updated 3:06 pm, Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 1of/56

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 56

A student walks past the archways in front of the Fondren Library at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston. Rice celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Seen across the quad through the center arch is Lovett Hall. less

A student walks past the archways in front of the Fondren Library at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston. Rice celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Seen across the quad through the center ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 2 of 56

Undated construction of the Rice University Administration Building.

Undated construction of the Rice University Administration Building.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 3 of 56

Copy portrait of William March Rice from book "William March Rice and his Institute."

Copy portrait of William March Rice from book "William March Rice and his Institute."

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 4 of 56

Undated early commencement ceremony.

Undated early commencement ceremony.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 5 of 56

Undated construction at Rice Institute.

Undated construction at Rice Institute.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 6 of 56

Approach to administration building in 1912.

Approach to administration building in 1912.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 7 of 56

Looking tooward the main entrance, this photo was taken from Lovett Hall durng the formal opening on Octobeer 12, 1912.

Looking tooward the main entrance, this photo was taken from Lovett Hall durng the formal opening on Octobeer 12, 1912.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 8 of 56

"For this fair day we have worked and prayed and waited." Dr. Edgar Odell Lovett's words gripped the distingueshed audience at the Rice Institute formal dedication ceremony, Oct. 12, 1912.

"For this fair day we have worked and prayed and waited." Dr. Edgar Odell Lovett's words gripped the distingueshed audience at the Rice Institute formal dedication ceremony, Oct. 12, 1912.

In the late 1920's, a lawn party at Rice Institute was an occasion for dressing up.

In the late 1920's, a lawn party at Rice Institute was an occasion for dressing up.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 12 of 56

Full dress review of the drum and bugle corps with company commanders in the front, with Rice Institute in the background on January 24, 1942.

Full dress review of the drum and bugle corps with company commanders in the front, with Rice Institute in the background on January 24, 1942.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 13 of 56

Rice Women's Army Corps in 1918.

Rice Women's Army Corps in 1918.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 14 of 56

Rice construction work was ahead of plan on addition to MD Anderson Biological Laboratories in March of 1967.

Rice construction work was ahead of plan on addition to MD Anderson Biological Laboratories in March of 1967.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 15 of 56

Rice's first campus protest rally of the season attacks war, Sept 24, 1969.

Rice's first campus protest rally of the season attacks war, Sept 24, 1969.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 16 of 56

Rice University president Dr. Norman Hackerman ceremoniously switches on a new computer system as Dr. M. Stuart Lynn of the Rice Institure for Computer Services and Applications looks on. The system will be responsible for tabulating county-wide presidential election returns in November for Election Central. Photo taken August of 1972. less

Rice University president Dr. Norman Hackerman ceremoniously switches on a new computer system as Dr. M. Stuart Lynn of the Rice Institure for Computer Services and Applications looks on. The system will be ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 17 of 56

Vincent Kupczzynski, left, and Paddy O'Connor listen as Dr. William Spargo explains the workings of equipment in an enginering laborary at Rice University. The two high school students were attending Rice's Engineering majors Day at the school in January of 1972. less

Vincent Kupczzynski, left, and Paddy O'Connor listen as Dr. William Spargo explains the workings of equipment in an enginering laborary at Rice University. The two high school students were attending Rice's ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 18 of 56

Frank Tittle, left, and and Wolfgang Ernst look at an electron beam chamber at Rice University in April of 1979.

Frank Tittle, left, and and Wolfgang Ernst look at an electron beam chamber at Rice University in April of 1979.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 19 of 56

Art piece entitled Paul Bunyon Bouquet by Houstonian Jim Love is photographed in March of 1981.

Art piece entitled Paul Bunyon Bouquet by Houstonian Jim Love is photographed in March of 1981.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 20 of 56

Rice University photographed in May of 1979.

Rice University photographed in May of 1979.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 21 of 56

Students at Rice University relax between classes under the William M. Rice Statue in April of 1978.

Students at Rice University relax between classes under the William M. Rice Statue in April of 1978.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 22 of 56

The original drawing for this carving showed three professors weaving the thread of knowledge. Photo taken August 1978.

The original drawing for this carving showed three professors weaving the thread of knowledge. Photo taken August 1978.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 23 of 56

1950 aerial of Rice Stadium under construction.

1950 aerial of Rice Stadium under construction.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 24 of 56

Construction of Rice Stadium.

Construction of Rice Stadium.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 25 of 56

Rice Universtiy buildings and campus, November of 1977.

Rice Universtiy buildings and campus, November of 1977.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 26 of 56

The stadium crowd was well protected from the rain, but Rice's offense wasn't as they lost to the Arkansas Razorbacks in this November 1967 photo.

The stadium crowd was well protected from the rain, but Rice's offense wasn't as they lost to the Arkansas Razorbacks in this November 1967 photo.

Photo: Jim Cox, Houston Chronicle

Image 27 of 56

Sammy Owl was returned to Rice by unwilling Aggie Captors. The fiber glass mascot was rescued by an A&M policeman in November of 1963.

Sammy Owl was returned to Rice by unwilling Aggie Captors. The fiber glass mascot was rescued by an A&M policeman in November of 1963.

Photo: Bill Goodwin, Houston Chronicle

Image 28 of 56

Rice University Band in November of 1975.

Rice University Band in November of 1975.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 29 of 56

Rice University Cheerleaders Kathy Childers and Billl Leeman (behind) whip up student spirit for the Rice Owls' homecoming football game with Texas A&M at Rice Stadium. Students whooped and cheered before a bonfire fed by scrap lumber in November of 1966. less

Rice University Cheerleaders Kathy Childers and Billl Leeman (behind) whip up student spirit for the Rice Owls' homecoming football game with Texas A&M at Rice Stadium. Students whooped and cheered before a ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 30 of 56

A rally before the Rice Owl's football team played the Texas Longhorns in October of 1968.

A rally before the Rice Owl's football team played the Texas Longhorns in October of 1968.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 31 of 56

Rice sophmore and Mob sousaphone player Laureen Heldebrand from San Antonio photographed January of 1991.

Rice sophmore and Mob sousaphone player Laureen Heldebrand from San Antonio photographed January of 1991.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 32 of 56

Rice University's marching band, "The Mob." performs in October of 1989.

Rice University's marching band, "The Mob." performs in October of 1989.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 33 of 56

Rice Marching Band photographed in October of 1983.

Rice Marching Band photographed in October of 1983.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 34 of 56

With spring finally here, students find football on a Sunday afternoon more captivation than the halls of learning. At Rice University, Pedro Alfaro, center, prepares to fling the pigskin in a pick-up game on the east lawn by Lovett Hall in April of 1979. less

With spring finally here, students find football on a Sunday afternoon more captivation than the halls of learning. At Rice University, Pedro Alfaro, center, prepares to fling the pigskin in a pick-up game on ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 35 of 56

Cafeteria-style lunch and snacks are served to Rice students in Sammy's snack bar. Sammy's is one of the many reasons there is heavy traffic to the Memorial Center. Before the center was built, eating facilities were in the library basement. Photographed in November 1959. less

Cafeteria-style lunch and snacks are served to Rice students in Sammy's snack bar. Sammy's is one of the many reasons there is heavy traffic to the Memorial Center. Before the center was built, eating ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 36 of 56

Rice students vote in an election in December of 1961.

Rice students vote in an election in December of 1961.

Photo: Houston Chronicle File Photo

Image 37 of 56

The nation's space program could produce dramatic gains in robotics, says Rice researchers, who are trying to develop autonomous robots. But the robots appearance wil most likely be determined by their function rather than a need to make them appear human. Photo taken February of 1988. less

The nation's space program could produce dramatic gains in robotics, says Rice researchers, who are trying to develop autonomous robots. But the robots appearance wil most likely be determined by their function ... more

Leaders in the Economic Summit line up for the class photo at Rice following the day's meetings. From left, EC President Delors, Itallian Prime Minister Andreotti, West German Chancellor Kohl, French President Mitterand, US President Bush, British Prime Minister Mulroney, and Japanese Prime Minister Kaifu. Photo taken July, 9, 1990. less

Leaders in the Economic Summit line up for the class photo at Rice following the day's meetings. From left, EC President Delors, Itallian Prime Minister Andreotti, West German Chancellor Kohl, French President ... more

Photo: Nuri Vallbona, Houston Chronicle

Image 40 of 56

Summit leaders walk to lunch at Cohen House at Cohen House at Rice University following a morning session. (l-r) President of the European Commission, Jacques Delors; Prime Minister of Italy, Giulio Andreotti; Prime Minister of Japan, Toshiki Kaifu; Prime Mininister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher; President of France, Francoise Mitterand; Chancellor of West Germany, Helmut Kohl; US President George HW Bush and Prime minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney. July 10, 1990. less

Summit leaders walk to lunch at Cohen House at Cohen House at Rice University following a morning session. (l-r) President of the European Commission, Jacques Delors; Prime Minister of Italy, Giulio Andreotti; ... more

Photo: Nuri Vallbona, Houston Chronicle

Image 41 of 56

Lon Wilson, a chemist at Rice University, with a model of a C60 molecule. Buckyballs (a colloquial term for buckminsterfullerene, a roughly spherical molecule consisting of 60 carbon atoms) are now thought to be useful in medical treatments. Photo taken November 26, 2000. less

Lon Wilson, a chemist at Rice University, with a model of a C60 molecule. Buckyballs (a colloquial term for buckminsterfullerene, a roughly spherical molecule consisting of 60 carbon atoms) are now thought to ... more

Photo: D. Fahleson, Houston Chronicle

Image 42 of 56

Rice University professor Rick Smalley stands with a machine to make carbon nanotubes Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 15, 2003, in Houston.

Rice University professor Rick Smalley stands with a machine to make carbon nanotubes Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 15, 2003, in Houston.

Photo: Kevin Fujii, Houston Chronicle

Image 43 of 56

Starting pitcher, Philip Humber gets hugged by Steve Herce after he pitched a complete game to win, during the Rice-Stanford Championship game 3, at the College World Series in Rosenblatt Stadium, in Omaha, Nebraska, Monday evening. Rice won the championship game 14-2, giving the school it's first national title. less

Starting pitcher, Philip Humber gets hugged by Steve Herce after he pitched a complete game to win, during the Rice-Stanford Championship game 3, at the College World Series in Rosenblatt Stadium, in Omaha, ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Image 44 of 56

Wayne Graham holds up the trophy after the game during the Rice-Stanford Championship game 3, at the College World Series in Rosenblatt Stadium, in Omaha, Nebraska. Rice won the championship game 14-2, giving the school it's first national title. less

Wayne Graham holds up the trophy after the game during the Rice-Stanford Championship game 3, at the College World Series in Rosenblatt Stadium, in Omaha, Nebraska. Rice won the championship game 14-2, giving ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Image 45 of 56

The Mob band members get ready for halftime at Rice Stadium in annual Bayou Bucket football game against University of Houston Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, in Houston.

The Mob band members get ready for halftime at Rice Stadium in annual Bayou Bucket football game against University of Houston Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle

Image 46 of 56

Members of the Marching Owl Band's drum corp lines up with the rest of the band, spirit groups and fans before a NCAA football game between Memphis University and Rice University at Rice Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, in Houston. less

Members of the Marching Owl Band's drum corp lines up with the rest of the band, spirit groups and fans before a NCAA football game between Memphis University and Rice University at Rice Stadium on Saturday, ... more

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle

Image 47 of 56

Raymond Johnson, the first African-American to earn a degree at Rice University in 1968, teaches a differential equations class to math students at Rice Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, in Houston. Johnson had been accepted as a graduate student at Rice in 1963 when two alumni sued the school, seeking to enforce provisions in the original charter creating the school which noted that it was to educate white students. Rice trustees ultimately won the lawsuit and Johnson was enrolled, earning a PhD in math. less

Raymond Johnson, the first African-American to earn a degree at Rice University in 1968, teaches a differential equations class to math students at Rice Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, in Houston. Johnson had been ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Houston Chronicle

Image 48 of 56

Current Rice University President, David Leebron, at Lovett Hall, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, in Houston.

Current Rice University President, David Leebron, at Lovett Hall, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Houston Chronicle

Image 49 of 56

Senior architecture students Claire O'Connor, of Basking Ridge, N.J., left, and Mallory Botsford, of Cincinnati, work together on a project at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston.

Senior architecture students Claire O'Connor, of Basking Ridge, N.J., left, and Mallory Botsford, of Cincinnati, work together on a project at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 50 of 56

Luna Lu, of Nanjing, China, left, and Aya Matsumoto, of San Jose, Calif., work with Nonya Grenader, associate director at the Rice Building Workshop, at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston.

Luna Lu, of Nanjing, China, left, and Aya Matsumoto, of San Jose, Calif., work with Nonya Grenader, associate director at the Rice Building Workshop, at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 51 of 56

Xiujun Fan, a visiting student from Beijing, China, works on a carbon nano tube at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston.

Xiujun Fan, a visiting student from Beijing, China, works on a carbon nano tube at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 52 of 56

Dr. Robert Hauge, distinguished faculty fellow in chemistry, rides a Segway into the elevator at the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology on his way to a meeting at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston. less

Dr. Robert Hauge, distinguished faculty fellow in chemistry, rides a Segway into the elevator at the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology on his way to a meeting at Rice University ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 53 of 56

Students walk around the quad near Lovett Hall at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston.

Students walk around the quad near Lovett Hall at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 54 of 56

One of the many banners marking milestones in the history of Rice University line the circle around campus Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston.

One of the many banners marking milestones in the history of Rice University line the circle around campus Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 55 of 56

Streams of sunlight shine out from behind a cloud over Rayzor Hall at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston. Rice celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Streams of sunlight shine out from behind a cloud over Rayzor Hall at Rice University Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, in Houston. Rice celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Image 56 of 56

Rice and UH land in Princeton Review's list of best value universities

1 / 56

Back to Gallery

Rice University landed in the top 10 "best value" colleges in an annual list compiled by the Princeton Review.

The Princeton Review released the annual list of the nation's "2013 Best Value Colleges, and Rice was No. 7 out of 75 private institutions. The list designates 150 schools total after examining 30 different factors, including academics, cost and financial aid.

University of Houston made the list for its ethnically diverse student body of about 37,000 and as a growing major research university in the state, according the Review.

The Princeton Review is a well-known source for prospective college students to research colleges and universities.

Rice's $36,610 a year is a bargain compared to Ivy League schools and has a stellar financial aid policy, according to the report. Students called Rice a "sunny and social place" that will earn a prestigious degree with interactive classes and a small student to teacher ratio, according to the Review's research. The top spot for private institutions on the list was Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, above Harvard University, Yale and Princeton University.